Mount Fuji, a globally recognized landmark, is undergoing changes that are not entirely positive.
The topic of climate change is one of considerable debate, especially on social media platforms. However, the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident, particularly when observing the condition of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji.
Ordinarily, by early October, Japan’s tallest mountain is adorned with snow atop its majestic peaks. This year, however, the situation is different.
CNN reported that as of Tuesday, 29 October, Mount Fuji’s summit remained snowless, prompting many to question the role of climate change.
According to Japan’s weather agency, snow typically begins to settle on Mount Fuji around 2 October, with last year’s first snowcap sighting occurring on 5 October.
Yet, this year, Japan’s Kofu Local Meteorological Office has not made any such announcement, which is surprising, especially since the hiking season concluded in September.
Experts attribute this lack of snow to unusually warm weather.
Shinichi Yanagi, a meteorological officer at the Kofu office, informed CNN: “Because of the fact that high temperatures in Japan have been continuing since the summer and as it has been raining, there has been no snowfall.”
According to Climate Central, Japan’s unusually warm October is likely a result of the persistent climate crisis.
The El Niño phenomenon significantly influences worldwide temperature increases, and many consider it the primary factor in these climatic changes.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation includes three phases: hot, cold, or neutral.
This phenomenon leads to the most significant variations within the climate system, likely explaining Mount Fuji’s lack of snow.
This weather pattern causes additional heat to rise to the surface of the Pacific Ocean, subsequently elevating global temperatures.
Scientists have long cautioned that unless carbon emissions are curbed promptly, temperature rises are inevitable in the future.
There might come a time when Mount Fuji is entirely devoid of snow.